Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar, imported by Century International Arms

Model: 1896, Swedish Contract

Serial Number: 23707, matching parts except for the cleaning rod

Year of Manufacture: 1899 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: 6.5x55mm Swedish

Action Type: Bolt action, blind magazine

Barrel Length: 29"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a raised base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight adjustable from 300 meters to 2 kilometers. 

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece wood with a straight comb, straight wrist grip, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate shows many small dings and has lost most of its finish. The furniture shows moderate wear with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. The upper handguard was replaced, likely in the arsenal refurbishment. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock bears the Carl Gustaf arsenal refurbishment mark in the bottom of the wrist. There is also a range disk set into the right side of the stock. There is a minor crack running from the rear sling swivel. This furniture rates in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with stubborn fouling. There are a few minor spots of surface oxidation in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 55% of its metal finish. The metal shows scratches, edge wear, and handling marks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not shoot this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Canvas sling

Our Assessment: This Swedish Contract Mauser Model 1896, serial number 23707, was manufactured in 1899 and represents one of the finest examples of late 19th century military rifle engineering. Produced under contract by Mauser for the Kingdom of Sweden, the Model 1896 combined the strength and controlled-round-feed reliability of the Mauser system with Sweden's famously exacting inspection standards. The result was a rifle celebrated for precision machining, smooth bolt operation, and long service life well into the 20th century.

Chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish with a 29" barrel, this rifle embodies the Scandinavian approach to military ballistics, emphasizing flat trajectory, mild recoil, and exceptional accuracy. Introduced in the 1890s, the 6.5x55mm cartridge earned a lasting reputation for efficiency and downrange performance, remaining popular with hunters and target shooters more than a century later. The bore rates an excellent 9 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, reflecting the durable design and careful maintenance typical of Swedish service arms.

Approximately 55% of the arsenal-refurbished bluing remains, with matching numbered parts aside from the cleaning rod, supporting its integrity and historical continuity. The rifle is accompanied by a canvas sling, adding to its authentic military presentation. As a turn-of-the-century Swedish Model 1896 Mauser with strong bore condition and matching components, this rifle stands as a refined example of one of the most respected military bolt actions ever fielded.